What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
haven
Example
The small village was a haven for those seeking refuge from the war. [haven: noun]
Example
The ship sailed into the safe haven of the harbor. [haven: noun]
Example
After a long day at work, her garden was a haven of tranquility. [haven: noun]
sanctuary
Example
The wildlife sanctuary provided a safe haven for endangered species. [sanctuary: noun]
Example
The church was a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual guidance. [sanctuary: noun]
Example
The embassy offered sanctuary to political refugees fleeing persecution. [sanctuary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Haven is more commonly used than sanctuary in everyday language. Haven is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sanctuary is less common and often has specific associations with religion or animal protection.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between haven and sanctuary?
Both haven and sanctuary can be used in formal or informal contexts, but sanctuary may be considered more formal due to its religious connotations.
